Transfer of cardiac arrest data between defibrillators

ABSTRACT

An example method is performed by a current defibrillator and includes determining that a memory embedded within a therapy cable coupled to the current defibrillator stores data indicative of a previous shock delivered to a patient, the previous being delivered using a previous defibrillator. The method also includes obtaining the data indicative of the previous shock, and setting an energy level for a subsequent shock based on the data indicative of the previous shock. The method further includes delivering the subsequent shock to the patient at the energy level for the subsequent shock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/075,557 filed on Oct. 20, 2020, andissued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,331,506, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/962,447 filed on Jan. 17, 2020, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

During a cardiac arrest, an automated external defibrillator (AED) canbe utilized before an emergency medical services (EMS) crew arrives. Forexample, when a patient undergoes cardiac arrest, it is common fornearby individuals to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If anAED is close at hand, those individuals responding to this cardiacarrest situation will (hopefully) use that AED before the EMS crewarrives.

The AED can provide potentially lifesaving defibrillation treatment. Forinstance, the AED is configured to supply a charge through the patient'sheart via a set of defibrillation pads of a therapy cable. Thedefibrillation pads are located at a first end of the therapy cable andapplied to chest of a patient. At a second of the therapy cable, aconnector couples the therapy cable to an electrical source of the AEDthat is configured to generate a shock.

When the EMS crew arrives, the EMS crew assumes the care of the patientundergoing the cardiac arrest. For example, such care typically includesthe EMS crew switching the patient from the AED to a more advanceddefibrillator, such as a monitor defibrillator. After the EMS crew hasswitched the patient to the more advanced defibrillator, the EMS crewmay continue CPR and will also secure the patient for potentialtransport. This could include removing the existing defibrillation padsfrom the chest of the patient and then placing new defibrillation padson the patient. Alternatively, and if possible, the EMS crew will unplugthe therapy cable from the AED and then plug the same therapy cable intothe more advanced defibrillator, either directly or through an adapter.With this approach, the existing defibrillation pads can be used forsubsequent monitoring and/or defibrillation.

SUMMARY

Within examples described herein, systems and methods are described thatinclude using a memory embedded within a therapy cable to store dataindicative of a previous shock delivered to a patient.

Within additional examples described herein, systems and methods aredescribed that include transferring patient data obtained by a previousdefibrillator to a current defibrillator that is used to provide carefor the patient.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yetother examples. Further details of the examples can be seen withreference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examplesare set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples,however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives anddescriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of an illustrative example of the presentdisclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example defibrillation scene, according to anexample implementation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example defibrillator,according to an example implementation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of another example defibrillator,according to an example implementation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating example acts that can be carriedout in conjunction with use of a defibrillator, according to an exampleimplementation.

FIG. 5 is another block diagram illustrating example acts that can becarried out in conjunction with use of a defibrillator, according to anexample implementation.

FIG. 6 is still another block diagram illustrating example acts that canbe carried out in conjunction with use of a defibrillator, according toan example implementation.

FIG. 7 is still another block diagram illustrating example acts that canbe carried out in conjunction with use of a defibrillator, according toan example implementation.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example of a method performed by adefibrillator, according to an example implementation.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of another example of a method performed by adefibrillator, according to an example implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed examples will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all ofthe disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples maybe described and should not be construed as limited to the examples setforth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Currently, when a healthcare provider, such as a member of an EMS crew,assumes the care of a patient undergoing cardiac arrest, thedefibrillator utilized by the EMS crew is not able to determine if anyshocks were previously applied to patient. Consequently, thedefibrillator is also unable to determine the energy level of anyprevious shocks delivered to the patient by another defibrillator, suchas an AED, if indeed the other defibrillator was used to administer ashock.

Example methods and systems describe providing a current defibrillatorwith data indicative of a previous shock delivered to a patient by aprevious defibrillator. In some examples, data obtained from theprevious defibrillator can be stored in a memory embedded within atherapy cable of the previous defibrillator. This data can, for example,include an energy level of a most recent shock, how many shocks weregiven, what type of fibrillation was observed, measured waveforms (e.g.,ECG data before and after delivery of a shock), and/or otherinformation. With this approach, when the therapy cable is unpluggedfrom the previous defibrillator and plugged into the currentdefibrillator, a processor of the current defibrillator can read thedata from the memory of the therapy cable. The current defibrillatorand/or an operator of the current defibrillator can then use the data tohelp improve treatment of a patient. If the patient is delivered to ahospital, use of the data can help improve patient treatment at thehospital as well.

In other examples, when a medical provider assumes treatment of apatient using a current defibrillator, the current defibrillator canwirelessly receive data regarding the patient that was previouslyobtained and recorded by a previous defibrillator. For instance, thecurrent defibrillator can wirelessly receive the data directly from theprevious defibrillator. Alternatively, the previous defibrillator cantransmit the data to a server in a network, and the currentdefibrillator can wirelessly receive the data from the server.

Further details and features of these methods and systems are describedhereinafter with reference to the figures.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exampledefibrillation scene 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , a patient 102 is lying ontheir back. Patient 102 could be a patient in a public space, a home, apre-hospital environment, or even a hospital. A current defibrillator104 is currently being used to treat patient 102. As shown in FIG. 2 ,defibrillation pads 106, 108 of current defibrillator 104 are applied toa chest of patient 102. Defibrillation pad 106 is coupled to currentdefibrillator 104 via an electrode lead 110. Defibrillation pad 108 iscoupled to current defibrillator 104 via an electrode lead 112.Defibrillation pads 106, 108 and electrode leads 110, 112 arecollectively referred to as a therapy cable 114. Current defibrillator104 can be used to deliver, via therapy cable 114, a shock 116. Shock116 can go through a heart 118 of patient 102, in an attempt to restartheart 118, for saving the life of patient 102.

Defibrillation scene 100 also includes a previous defibrillator 120.Previous defibrillator 120 may have been used to deliver a shock topatient 102 before current defibrillator 104 is used to treat patient102. In some examples, therapy cable 114 may be the therapy cable thatis stored with and intended to be used with previous defibrillator 120.Therapy cable 114 may have been unplugged from previous defibrillator120 via a connector (not shown) and plugged into current defibrillator104. Alternatively, therapy cable 114 can be stored and intended to beused with current defibrillator 104, and previous defibrillator 120 caninclude a separate therapy cable (not shown).

Current defibrillator 104, and likewise previous defibrillator 120, canbe one of multiple different types, each with different sets of featuresand capabilities. As one example, one or both of current defibrillator104 and previous defibrillator 120, can be an AED, such as a publicaccess defibrillator AED. An AED can make a decision as to whether ornot to deliver a shock to a patient automatically. For example, an AEDcan sense physiological conditions, such as shockable heart rhythms, ofa patient via defibrillation pads applied to the patient, and make thedecision based on an analysis of the patient's heart. Further, an AEDcan either deliver the shock automatically, or instruct a user todeliver a shock, e.g., by pushing a button. AEDs can be operated bymedical professionals as well as people who are not in the medicalprofession, such as policemen, firemen, or even a person with first-aidand CPR/AED training. AEDs can be located in public spaces or homes sothat lifesaving treatment can hopefully be initiated before medicalprofessionals arrive.

As another example, one or both of current defibrillator 104 andprevious defibrillator 120 can be a more advanced device, such as amonitor defibrillator. Monitor defibrillators are intended to be used bytrained medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, paramedics,emergency medical technicians, etc. As the name suggests, a monitordefibrillator is a combination of a monitor and a defibrillator. As adefibrillator, a monitor defibrillator can be one of differentvarieties, or even versatile enough to be able to switch among differentmodes that individually correspond to the varieties. One variety is thatof an automated defibrillator, which can determine whether a shock isneeded and, if so, charge to a predetermined energy level and instructthe user to deliver the shock. Another variety is that of a manualdefibrillator, where the user determines the need and controls deliveryof the shock. As a patient monitor, the monitor defibrillator hasfeatures additional to what is needed for operation as a defibrillator.These features can be for monitoring physiological indicators of apatient in an emergency scenario, for instance.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example AED 200. In FIG. 2 , AED 200 includes aprocessor 202, a memory 204, a user interface 206, a communicationinterface 208, a power source 210, and a discharge circuit 212, eachconnected to a communication bus 214. AED 200 also includes anelectrical source 216 connected to discharge circuit 212, and a therapycable 218 connected to electrical source 216.

Memory 204 may include one or more computer-readable storage media thatcan be read or accessed by processor 202. The computer-readable storagemedia can include volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, suchas optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which canbe integrated in whole or in part with processor 202. The non-transitorydata storage is considered non-transitory computer readable media. Insome examples, the non-transitory data storage can be implemented usinga single physical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic or othermemory or disc storage unit), while in other examples, thenon-transitory data storage can be implemented using two or morephysical devices.

The non-transitory data storage thus is a computer readable medium, andinstructions are stored thereon. The instructions include computerexecutable code.

Processor 202 may be a general-purpose processor or a special purposeprocessor (e.g., digital signal processor, application specificintegrated circuit, etc.). Processor 202 may receive inputs from othercomponents of AED 200 and process the inputs to generate outputs thatare stored in the non-transitory data storage. Processor 202 can beconfigured to execute instructions (e.g., computer-readable programinstructions) that are stored in the non-transitory data storage and areexecutable to provide the functionality of the AED described herein. Forexample, processor 202 can execute instructions for determining dataindicative of a shock delivered to a patient, and storing the data inmemory 204 and/or a memory 220 of therapy cable 218. Processor 202 canalso execute instructions for analyzing physiological data, and storinga result of the analysis in memory 204 and/or memory 220.

User interface 206 can take any of a number of forms. For example, userinterface 206 may include output devices, which can be visual, audibleor tactile, for communicating to a user. An output device can beconfigured to output a warning, which warns or instructs the patient ora bystander to do something. An output device can be a light or a screento display what is detected and measured, and provide visual feedback tothe rescuer for their resuscitation attempts. User interface 206 mayalso include a speaker, to issue voice prompts or sounds. User interface206 may additionally include input devices for receiving inputs fromusers. Such input devices may include various controls, such aspushbuttons, keyboards, touchscreens, or a microphone.

Communication interface 208 may be one or more wireless interfacesand/or one or more wireline interfaces that allow for both short-rangecommunication and long-range communication to one or more networks or toone or more remote devices. Such wireless interfaces may provide forcommunication under one or more wireless communication protocols, suchas Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (e.g., an institute of electrical and electronicengineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), cellularcommunications, near-field communication (NFC), and/or other wirelesscommunication protocols. Such wireline interfaces may include anEthernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or similarinterface to communicate via a wire, a twisted pair of wires, a coaxialcable, an optical link, a fiber-optic link, or other physical connectionto a wireline network. Communication interface 208 thus may includehardware to enable communication between AED 200 and other devices (notshown). The hardware may include transmitters, receivers, and antennas,for example.

Power source 210 may include battery power, or a wired power means suchas an AC power connection.

Electrical source 216 can be configured to store electrical energy inthe form of an electrical charge, when preparing for delivery of ashock. Discharge circuit 212 can be controlled to permit the energystored in electrical source 216 to be discharged to defibrillation padsof therapy cable 218. Discharge circuit 212 can include one or moreswitches, such as an H-bridge. Processor 202 can instruct dischargecircuit 212 to output a shock using one of various energy levels. Theenergy levels can range from 50 Joules to 360 Joules. For instance, foran adult, processor 202 can select an energy level from an adult energysequence that includes energy levels of 200 Joules, 300 Joules, and 360Joules. Whereas, for a pediatric patient, processor 202 can select anenergy level from a pediatric energy sequence that includes energylevels of 50 Joules, 75 Joules, and 90 Joules.

Therapy cable 218 can be detachable from a housing of AED 200 by way ofa connector. The connector can be a tabbed, male connector that iscompatible with a port of AED 200.

Memory 220 of therapy cable can be a non-volatile memory that iscontrollable and electrically erasable by processor 202. For instance,memory 220 can be a one-wire electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM). Processor 202 can access memory 220 usingpins of the connector of therapy cable 218. Prior to use of AED 200,memory 220 can store a model number or serial number of therapy cable218, an expiration date of therapy cable 218, and/or a date ofmanufacture of therapy cable 218. When AED 200 is in use, processor 202can write additional data to memory 220 as described more fully below.Optionally, processor 202 can also read data from memory 220, and writethat data to memory 204.

In some examples, therapy cable 218 can include a wireless communicationinterface (not shown). The wireless communication interface can allowtherapy cable 218 to broadcast data after therapy cable 218 is unpluggedfrom AED 200. For instance, the wireless communication interface caninclude a low power system on a chip (SoC) or wireless integratedcircuit (IC). The power supply for the wireless communication interfacecould be a capacitor embedded in therapy cable 218, and the capacitorcan be charged by AED 200 when therapy cable 218 is plugged in to AED200.

The defibrillation pads of therapy cable 218 can be similar todefibrillation pads 106, 108 of FIG. 1 . The defibrillation pads caninclude sensors that output physiologic monitoring data measurements toprocessor 202. For example, the defibrillation pads can include sensorsthat measure heart electrical activity such as electrocardiogram (ECG).

After a shock is delivered, or in parallel with the instructing ofdischarge circuit 212 to deliver a shock, processor 202 can store dataindicative of the shock in memory 204 and/or memory 220. The dataindicative of the shock can include one or any combination of an energylevel of the shock, a timestamp associated with the shock, anidentification of AED 200, such as a model number or serial number ofAED 200, an indication of a number of the shock (e.g., an indicationthat the shock is the first shock, second, shock, third shock, etc.),and an error code associated with the shock.

Additionally or alternatively, during a patient care event, processor202 can determine and store other data in memory 204 and/or memory 220.As one example, processor 202 can determine and store data indicatingthat return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved afterdelivering a shock. Processor 202 could determine that ROSC was achievedusing one or more of the following techniques: inferring that ROSC wasachieved via electrical signals; detect a motion artifact that does notcorrespond to compressions or moving a patient; determining whether atrend after serval complete PQRST waveforms shows degradation;identifying respiratory breath from ECG; receiving information (e.g.,wirelessly) from an accessory configured to deliver information to AED200, such as blood pressure, SpO2, CO2, etc.; voice recognition thatidentifies keywords such as “I feel a pulse!” Processor 202 can alsodetermine that ROSC was achieved after delivering a shock based onreceiving an indication from another device. For instance, processor 202can send data obtained by AED 200 to a server in network. The server, inturn, can analyze the data to determine whether or not the data isindicative of ROSC being achieved (e.g., using any of the techniquesnoted above), and send to AED 200 data indicative of whether or not ROSCwas achieved.

As another example, processor 202 can analyze ECG data, determine afibrillation type using the ECG data, and store an indication of thefibrillation type. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) can be qualified aseither refractory VF or recurrent VF. Refractory VF refers to VF thatpersists despite shock delivery. This is in contrast to recurrent VF,which is VF that re-appears after it had previously been terminated. Theindication of fibrillation type could therefore include an indication ofrefractory VF or an indication of recurrent VF. Similarly, processor 202can analyze ECG data, determine a coarseness of a VF waveform, and storean indication of the coarseness of the VF waveform. As still anotherexample, processor 202 can store an initial rhythm measured by AED 200,such as a few seconds of raw ECG data that is obtained before deliveryof any shocks. Processor 202 can also determine and store dataindicative of an algorithm used to measure the initial rhythm, such asdata indicative of a name of the algorithm.

As another example, processor 202 can determine and store dataindicating whether a rhythm detected after delivery of a shock isshockable or non-shockable. For instance, if processor 202 detects anon-shockable rhythm (e.g., pulseless electrical activity or asystole)after delivery of a shock, processor 202 can store in memory 204 and/ormemory 220 data indicating that a non-shockable rhythm was detectedafter delivery of the shock. Whereas, if processor 202 detects ashockable rhythm (e.g., VF or ventricular tachycardia) after delivery ofa shock, processor 202 can store in memory 204 and/or memory 220 dataindicating that a shockable rhythm was detected after delivery of theshock.

As yet another example, processor 202 can determine whether CPR is beingperformed, and then store in memory 204 and/or memory 220 dataindicative of whether or not CPR was performed on the patient. Forexample, processor 202 can determine whether CPR is being performedbased on analysis of impedance signals received from the defibrillationpads of therapy cable 218. As another example, processor 202 candetermine whether CPR is being performed based on an analysis of an ECGsignal. CPR results in a very rhythmic change in ECG signal. Processor202 can detect such a change using signal processing. Such processingcan involve providing the ECG signal to a trained neural network that isconfigured to output an indication of whether the ECG signal isindicative of CPR being performed. The neural network can be trainedusing ECG signals that are known to have been captured while CPR isbeing performed. The data indicative of whether or not CPR was performedcan include data for individual compressions (e.g., compression ratedata). Additionally or alternatively, the data indicative of whether ornot CPR was performed can include a binary indication (e.g., yes or no),or a qualitative indication (e.g., no CPR; bad CPR; moderate CPR; goodCPR; great CPR). Processor 202 can also determine and store in memory204 and/or memory 220 data indicative of whether or not AED 200 adviseda user to continue CPR after a shock was delivered.

As yet another example, processor 202 can determine and then store inmemory 204 and/or memory 220 data indicative of whether any noise wasdetected during the patient care event. Examples of noise include motionof the patient (e.g., chest compressions performed during analysis ofthe patient's heart), the presence of an additional defibrillatorattached to the patient, detection of a pacemaker or other implantabledevice. In one example, processor 202 can detect such noise throughsignal processing of an ECG signal. Such signal processing can includeperforming a Fourier transform, and analyzing the resulting frequencyinformation. For instance, implanted electrical signal stimulatorusually pulse very rhythmically and, as a result, may be detectable froma Fourier transform of an ECG signal.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example monitor defibrillator 300. Like AED 200 ofFIG. 2 , monitor defibrillator 300 includes a processor 302, a memory304, a user interface 306, a communication interface 308, a power source310, and a discharge circuit 312, each connected to a communication bus314. Monitor defibrillator 300 also includes an electrical source 316connected to discharge circuit 312, and a therapy cable 318 connected toelectrical source 316. Further, therapy cable 318 includes a memory 320.

Unlike AED 200, monitor defibrillator 300 includes physiologicmonitoring sensors 322 and a sensor interface 324 that couplesphysiologic monitoring sensors 322 with processor 302. Physiologicmonitoring sensors 322 allow for monitoring physiological indicators ofa patient. Any number or type of sensors may be used depending ontreatment or monitoring of the patient. In many instances, a variety ofsensors are used to determine a variety of physiologic monitoring data.Physiologic monitoring data can include vital sign data (e.g., heartrate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and body temperature), as wellas signals from other sensors described herein. In addition, physiologicmonitoring data can also include treatment monitoring data, such aslocation at which an endotracheal tube has been placed or other sensorcontext information. The physiologic monitoring data can includetimestamps associated with a time of collection and may be considered ameasurement at a specific time. In some instances herein, physiologicmonitoring data refers to one measurement and data associated with theone measurement, and in other instances, physiologic monitoring datarefers to a collection of measurements as context indicates.

Physiologic monitoring sensors 322 can include sensors that measureheart electrical activity such as electrocardiogram (ECG), saturation ofthe hemoglobin in arterial blood with oxygen (SpO2), carbon monoxide(carboxyhemoglobin, COHb) and/or methemoglobin (SpMet), partial pressureof carbon dioxide (CO2) in gases in the airway by means of capnography,total air pressure in the airway, flow rate or volume of air moving inand out of the airway, blood flow, blood pressure such as non-invasiveblood pressure (NIBP) or invasive blood pressure (IP) by means of acatheter, core body temperature with a temperature probe in theesophagus, oxygenation of hemoglobin within a volume of tissue (rSO2),indicating level of tissue perfusion with blood and supply of oxygenprovided by that perfusion, and so forth.

Outputs, e.g., signals, from physiologic monitoring sensors 322 areconveyed to processor 302 by way of sensor interface 324. Processor 302records the signals and uses the signals for vital sign qualificationand caregiver feedback. In some examples, outputs from physiologicmonitoring sensors 322 or data derived from an analysis of the outputscan be recorded in a patient care record of monitor defibrillator 300and delivered to subsequent entities (e.g., hospital emergencydepartment, etc.) via communication interface 308.

Within one example, in operation, when instructions stored in memory 304are executed by processor 302, monitor defibrillator 300 is caused toperform a set of acts including determining that memory 320 embeddedwithin therapy cable 318 stored data indicative of a previous shockdelivered to a patient using another defibrillator. The set of acts theninclude obtaining the data indicative of the previous shock, and settingan energy level for a subsequent shock based on the data indicative ofthe previous shock. Further, the set of acts includes delivering thesubsequent shock to the patient at the energy level.

Within another example, in operation, when instructions stored in memory304 are executed by processor 302, monitor defibrillator 300 is causedto perform a set of acts including wirelessly receiving data indicativeof a previous shock delivered to a patient by another defibrillator. Theset of acts then includes setting an energy level for a subsequent shockbased on the data indicative of the previous shock, and delivering thesubsequent shock to the patient at the energy level.

In line with the discussion above, during a patient care event, a usercan assume care of a patient, and provide care using a currentdefibrillator. Further, the current defibrillator can obtain data thatwas determined and stored by a previous defibrillator that waspreviously used to provide care to the patient during the patient careevent. FIGS. 4-9 are block diagrams illustrating acts that can becarried out in conjunction with use of the current defibrillator and theprevious defibrillator in such a scenario.

More specifically, FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a set of actsthat can be carried out in conjunction with use of a previousdefibrillator during a patient care event. In some examples, theprevious defibrillator can be an AED, such as AED 200 of FIG. 2 . Inother examples, the previous defibrillator can be a monitordefibrillator, such as monitor defibrillator 300 of FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , at block 402, a therapy cable is plugged into theprevious defibrillator. The therapy cable can be plugged into a port ofthe previous defibrillator using a connector of the therapy cable, orthe therapy cable can be plugged into an adapter cable that, in turn, isplugged into a port of the previous defibrillator. Prior to or afterplugging the therapy cable into the previous defibrillator,defibrillation pads of the therapy cable are applied to a chest of thepatient. The previous defibrillator is then used to treat and/or monitorthe patient.

At step 404, during the patient care event, a processor of the previousdefibrillator writes data to a memory. The memory can be a memory of theprevious defibrillator and/or a memory embedded within the therapycable. The data that is written to one or both of the memories caninclude any of the data discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 2 . Forinstance, the data can include one or any combination of: dataindicative of a shock, such as an energy level, timestamp,identification of the previous defibrillator, number of the shock; dataindicating that ROSC was achieved after delivering a shock; dataindicative of a fibrillation type; data indicative of a coarseness of aVF waveform measured by the previous defibrillator; data indicative ofan initial rhythm measured by the previous defibrillator; dataindicative of whether a post-shock rhythm is shockable or non-shockable;data indicative of an algorithm used to measure the initial rhythm; dataindicative of an error code associated with a shock; data indicative ofwhether or not CPR was performed on the patient; data indicative ofwhether or not the previous defibrillator advised a user to continue CPRafter a shock was delivered; data indicative of noise detected by theprevious defibrillator; and a timestamp indicating when the therapycable was plugged in.

Optionally, at step 406, the previous defibrillator wirelessly transmitsdata. As one example, the previous defibrillator can wirelessly transmitdata directly to another defibrillator. With this approach, the previousdefibrillator may search for nearby defibrillators and connect withanother defibrillator before wirelessly transmitting the data. Asanother example, the previous defibrillator can wirelessly transmit datato a server in a network. The previous defibrillator can wirelesslytransmit data to the server at one or more of various times throughoutthe patient care event. For instance, the previous defibrillator canwirelessly transmit data after each shock is delivered, when the therapycable is unplugged, and/or when the previous defibrillator is poweredoff. In some examples, the previous defibrillator can wirelesslytransmit data directly to another defibrillator and also wirelesslytransmit data to a server in a network.

The wireless transmission at step 406 can include wirelesslytransmitting data stored in a memory of the previous defibrillatorand/or data stored in a memory of the therapy cable. Further, theprevious defibrillator can wirelessly transmit the data using either awireless communication interface of the previous defibrillator, such asa wireless communication interface located within a housing of theprevious defibrillator or a wireless communication interface pluggedinto a port of the previous defibrillator. Additionally oralternatively, the previous defibrillator can wirelessly transmit thedata using a wireless communication interface embedded within thetherapy cable. Such wireless transmission via a wireless communicationinterface embedded within the therapy cable can, in some examples, occurafter the therapy cable is unplugged from the previous defibrillator.For instance, unplugging the therapy cable can trigger the wirelesscommunication interface within the therapy cable to wirelessly transmitdata or search for a nearby defibrillator to wirelessly transmit datato. In a similar manner, unplugging the therapy cable can trigger thewireless communication interface of the previous defibrillator towirelessly transmit data or search for a nearby defibrillator towirelessly transmit data to.

FIGS. 5-7 are block diagrams illustrating sets of acts that can becarried out in conjunction with use of a current defibrillator during apatient care event. In some examples, the current defibrillator can bean AED, such as AED 200 of FIG. 2 . In other examples, the currentdefibrillator can be a monitor defibrillator, such as monitordefibrillator 300 of FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , in one example, at block 502, a therapy cable isplugged into the current defibrillator. The therapy cable can be atherapy cable of the previous defibrillator that was used to deliver aprevious shock. Further, at block 504, the current defibrillator queriesthe therapy cable so as to determine whether the therapy cable includesa memory. The memory can be the memory 220 of FIG. 2 or the memory 320of FIG. 3 , for instance. A processor of the current defibrillator canquery the therapy cable by sending a read command via one or more of thepins of a connector of the therapy cable. If the therapy cable includesa memory, the processor can access a portion of the data as a result ofthe read command.

As further shown in FIG. 5 , at block 506, a processor of the currentdefibrillator then makes a decision based on whether or not the therapycable includes a memory. The processor can make this decision based on aresult of the read command, such as whether the processor is able toaccess data using the read command. If the processor determines that thetherapy cable does not include a memory, then, at block 508, the currentdefibrillator proceeds as normal. Whereas, if the processor determinesthat the therapy cable includes a memory, then, at block 510, theprocessor retrieves data from the memory.

Retrieving the data from the memory can include checking if the data isvalid. As one example, the processor can use a cyclic redundancy checkto detect errors in the data. As another example, the processor cananalyze a timestamp in the data to ensure that data in the cablecorresponds to a current patient for which the current defibrillator isproviding care. For instance, the processor of the defibrillator candetermine whether a timestamp in the data, such as a timestampassociated with previous shock, is within a threshold time of a currenttime. The threshold time could be a number of minutes (e.g., fourminutes, ten minutes, etc.).

As further shown in FIG. 5 , at block 512, the processor of the currentdefibrillator then makes a decision based on whether or not the data isvalid. If the processor determines that the data is valid, then,optionally, at block 514, the processor can obtain permission to updatea setting of the current defibrillator using the data. Obtainingpermission can involve providing an audible or visual prompt using auser interface of the current defibrillator. For instance, the currentdefibrillator can prompt a user to use an energy level of a previousshock delivered by the previous defibrillator to set the energy level ofa subsequent shock.

After providing the prompt, the current defibrillator can obtain, viathe user interface, an instruction to use the data to update a settingof the current defibrillator. Further, at block 516, the processor ofthe current defibrillator can update at least one setting of the currentdefibrillator based on the data.

The processor of the current defibrillator can use the data to update asetting of the current defibrillator in various ways. As one example,the processor can set the energy level for a subsequent shock based ondata indicative of an energy level of a previous shock. For instance,the processor can increase the energy level from the energy level of theprevious shock to a next energy level in an energy level sequence. Theenergy level sequence could be 200 Joules, 300 Joules, and 360 Joules.With this configuration, based on data indicating that an energy levelof a previous shock was 200 Joules, the processor can set the energylevel for the subsequent shock to 300 Joules. The decision to increasethe energy level could be further based on a determination that theenergy level of the previous shock was not the maximum energy level inthe energy level sequence. In some examples, the processor of thecurrent defibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of the energy level of theprevious shock.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicating that ROSC was achieved afterdelivering the previous shock. For instance, the processor can set theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock based on the data indicating that ROSC was achieved.Alternatively, the processor can increase the energy level even thoughthe data indicates that ROSC was achieved. The manner in which theprocessor selects the energy level for the subsequent shock when dataindicates that ROSC was achieved could be a configurable option. Forinstance, an operator of the current defibrillator could choose betweenhaving the processor keep the energy level the same or having theprocessor increase the energy level when data indicates that ROSC wasachieved. In some examples, the processor of the current defibrillatorcan also cause the user interface of the current defibrillator toprovide an indication that ROSC was achieved after delivering theprevious shock.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicative of a fibrillation type. Thedata indicative of the fibrillation type can qualify whether or not thepatient's rhythm reverted to a life-sustaining rhythm after delivery ofthe previous shock. For instance, the data indicative of fibrillationtype could qualify whether the VF observed by the previous defibrillatorand leading up to the previous shock was refractory VF or recurrent VF.If the data indicative of the fibrillation type is indicative ofrefractory VF, the processor can increase the energy level from theenergy level of the previous shock to a next energy level in an energylevel sequence. On the other hand, if the data is indicative ofrecurrent VF, the processor can set the energy level of the previousshock as the energy level for the subsequent shock. Maintaining the sameenergy level may be preferred in such a scenario as the previous energylevel was demonstrated to be successful. By maintaining the same energylevel, this decreases the change of injury due to cardiomyocytes. Inother instances, the processor can increase the energy level even thoughthe data indicates the occurrence of recurrent VF. Again, theconfiguration of the current defibrillator could dictate the action thatthe processor takes with respect to the energy level. In some examples,the processor of the current defibrillator can also cause the userinterface of the current defibrillator to provide an indication of thefibrillation type.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicative of whether a post-shock rhythmdetected by the previous defibrillator was shockable or non-shockable.For instance, if the data indicates that a post-shock detected rhythmwas shockable, the processor can increase the energy level from theenergy level of the previous shock to a next energy level in an energylevel sequence. On the other hand, if the data indicates that apost-shock detected rhythm was non-shockable, the processor can set theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock. Again, the configuration of the current defibrillatorcould dictate the action that the processor takes with respect to theenergy level. In some examples, the processor of the currentdefibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of whether the post-shockdetected rhythm was shockable or non-shockable.

As further shown in FIG. 5 , if the processer determines that the datais not valid at block 512 (e.g., due to errors in the data or aninconsistency between the timestamp and a current time), then, at block518, the processor can cause a user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide a warning regarding the validity of the dataand request permission to update a setting of the current defibrillatorusing the data despite the error. Requesting permission can involveproviding an audible or visual prompt using a user interface of thecurrent defibrillator. Subsequently, at block 520, the processor canmake a decision based on whether or not permission is obtained. If thecurrent defibrillator obtains permission, then, as described above, theprocessor of the current defibrillator can update at least one settingof the current defibrillator based on the data. Whereas, if the currentdefibrillator does not obtain permission, the current defibrillatorproceeds as normal.

In some examples, the processor of the current defibrillator can alsocause the user interface of the current defibrillator to displayportions of the data retrieved from the memory or information derivedfrom the data. As one example, the processor can cause the userinterface to display a timer indicating a remaining amount of time untilthe time to deliver the subsequent shock. This timer can be derived froma timestamp associated with the previous shock. As another example, theprocessor can cause the user interface to display an identification ofthe previous defibrillator (e.g., a model number) and a number of shocksdelivered to the patient using the previous defibrillator. As anotherexample, the processor can cause the user interface to display anindication of the coarseness of the VF waveform measured by the previousdefibrillator. As still another example, the processor can cause theuser interface to display an initial rhythm measured by the previousdefibrillator and, optionally, an algorithm used to measure the initialrhythm.

As still another example, the processor can cause the user interface todisplay an indication of an error code associated with the previousshock. As still another example, the processor can cause the userinterface to display an indication of whether or not CPR was performedon the patient or an indication of whether or not the previousdefibrillator advised a user to continue CPR after the previous shockwas delivered.

The processor of the current defibrillator can also write any of thedata that is obtained from the memory of the therapy cable to a patientrecord. Further, the current defibrillator can transmit the patientrecord to another device using the wireless communication interface.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 6 , optionally, at block 602, atherapy cable is plugged into the current defibrillator. The therapycable can be a therapy cable of the previous defibrillator that was usedto deliver a previous shock. Further, at block 604, the currentdefibrillator searches for nearby defibrillators. The searching can varydepending on the wireless communication protocol utilized by the currentdefibrillator. As one example, the current defibrillator could perform asearch for nearby devices that are broadcasting a tag which identifiesthe device as a defibrillator, such as nearby devices that arebroadcasting a tag in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol. As anotherexample, the current defibrillator could search for a nearby NFC device.Upon determining that another defibrillator is within wireless range ofthe current defibrillator, then, based on the determining, the currentdefibrillator can established a wireless communication link with theother defibrillator.

As further shown in FIG. 6 , at block 606, a processor of the currentdefibrillator then makes a decision based on whether or not the currentdefibrillator identifies and establishes a valid connection with anotherdefibrillator. As part of the decision at block 606, the processor ofthe current defibrillator can evaluate a geographic location of theother defibrillator. For instance, the processor can determine that theother defibrillator is located within a threshold distance of ageographic location of the current defibrillator. Based on thedetermining that the other defibrillator is located within a thresholddistance of the geographic location of the current defibrillator, theprocessor can determine that a valid connection is established.

If the processor determines that a valid connection with anotherdefibrillator has not been established, then, at block 608, the currentdefibrillator proceeds as normal. Whereas, if the processor determinesthat a valid connection with another defibrillator has been established,then, at block 610, the current defibrillator wirelessly receives datafrom the other defibrillator.

Wirelessly receiving the data can include checking if the data is valid.As one example, the processor can use a cyclic redundancy check todetect errors in the data. As another example, the processor can analyzea timestamp in the data to ensure that data in the cable corresponds toa current patient for which the current defibrillator is providing care.For instance, the processor of the defibrillator can determine whether atimestamp in the data, such as a timestamp associated with previousshock, is within a threshold time of a current time. The threshold timecould be a number of minutes (e.g., four minutes, ten minutes, etc.). Ina scenario in which a therapy cable of another defibrillator is pluggedinto the current defibrillator, the processor can compare a first uniqueidentifier in the data with a second unique identifier that is retrievedfrom a memory embedded within the therapy cable. To check the validityof the data, the processor can therefore determine whether the firstunique identifier and the second unique identifier are the same.

In some examples, wirelessly receiving data from the other defibrillatorcan include wirelessly receiving data from a wireless communicationinterface embedded within a therapy cable of the other defibrillator.This wireless reception of data can occur while the therapy cable of theother defibrillator is plugged into the other defibrillator, while thetherapy cable of the other defibrillator is plugged into the currentdefibrillator, or while the therapy cable of the other defibrillator isnot plugged into a defibrillator.

As further shown in FIG. 6 , at block 612, the processor of the currentdefibrillator then makes a decision based on whether or not the data isvalid. If the processor determines that the data is valid, then,optionally, at block 614, the processor can obtain permission to updatea setting of the current defibrillator using the data. Obtainingpermission can involve providing an audible or visual prompt using auser interface of the current defibrillator. For instance, the currentdefibrillator can prompt a user to use an energy level of a previousshock delivered by the previous defibrillator to set the energy level ofa subsequent shock.

After providing the prompt, the current defibrillator can obtain, viathe user interface, an instruction to use the data to update a settingof the current defibrillator. Further, at block 616, the processor ofthe current defibrillator can update at least one setting of the currentdefibrillator based on the data.

The processor of the current defibrillator can use the data to update asetting of the current defibrillator in various ways. As one example,the processor can set the energy level for a subsequent shock based ondata indicative of an energy level of a previous shock. For instance,the processor can increase the energy level from the energy level of theprevious shock to a next energy level in an energy level sequence. Theenergy level sequence could be 200 Joules, 300 Joules, and 360 Joules.With this configuration, based on data indicating that an energy levelof a previous shock was 200 Joules, the processor can set the energylevel for the subsequent shock to 300 Joules. The decision to increasethe energy level could be further based on a determination that theenergy level of the previous shock was not the maximum energy level inthe energy level sequence. In some examples, the processor of thecurrent defibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of the energy level of theprevious shock.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicating that ROSC was achieved afterdelivering the previous shock. For instance, the processor can set theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock based on the data indicating that ROSC was achieved.Alternatively, the processor can increase the energy level even thoughthe data indicates that ROSC was achieved. The manner in which theprocessor selects the energy level for the subsequent shock when dataindicated that ROSC was achieved could be a configurable option. Forinstance, an operator of the current defibrillator could choose betweenhaving the processor keep the energy level the same or having theprocessor increase the energy level when data indicates that ROSC wasachieved. In some examples, the processor of the current defibrillatorcan also cause the user interface of the current defibrillator toprovide an indication that ROSC was achieved after delivering theprevious shock.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicative of a fibrillation type. Thedata indicative of the fibrillation type can qualify whether or not thepatient's rhythm reverted to a life-sustaining rhythm after delivery ofthe previous shock. VF can be qualified as either refractory VF orrecurrent VF. Refractory VF refers to VF that persists despite shockdelivery. This is in contrast to recurrent VF, which is VF thatre-appears after it had previously been terminated. The data indicativeof fibrillation type could qualify whether the VF observed by theprevious defibrillator and leading up to the previous shock wasrefractory VF or recurrent VF. If the data indicative of thefibrillation type is indicative of refractory VF, the processor canincrease the energy level from the energy level of the previous shock toa next energy level in an energy level sequence. On the other hand, ifthe data is indicative of recurrent VF, the processor can set the energylevel of the previous shock as the energy level for the subsequent shockbased on Maintaining the same energy level may be preferred in such ascenario as the previous energy level was demonstrated to be successful.By maintaining the same energy level, this decreases the change ofinjury due to cardiomyocytes. In other instances, the processor canincrease the energy level even though the data indicates the occurrenceof recurrent VF. Again, the configuration of the current defibrillatorcould dictate the action that the processor takes with respect to theenergy level. In some examples, the processor of the currentdefibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of the fibrillation type.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicative of whether a post-shock rhythmdetected by the previous defibrillator was shockable or non-shockable.For instance, if the data indicates that a post-shock detected rhythmwas shockable, the processor can increase the energy level from theenergy level of the previous shock to a next energy level in an energylevel sequence. On the other hand, if the data indicates that apost-shock detected rhythm was non-shockable, the processor can set theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock. Again, the configuration of the current defibrillatorcould dictate the action that the processor takes with respect to theenergy level. In some examples, the processor of the currentdefibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of whether the post-shockdetected rhythm was shockable or non-shockable.

As further shown in FIG. 6 , if the processer determines that the datais not valid at block 612 (e.g., due to errors in the data or aninconsistency between the timestamp and a current time), then, at block618, the processor can cause a user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide a warning regarding the validity of the dataand request permission to update a setting of the current defibrillatorusing the data despite the error. Requesting permission can involveproviding an audible or visual prompt using a user interface of thecurrent defibrillator. Subsequently, at block 620, the processor canmake a decision based on whether or not permission is obtained. If thecurrent defibrillator obtains permission, then, as described above, theprocessor of the current defibrillator can update at least one settingof the current defibrillator based on the data. Whereas, if the currentdefibrillator does not obtain permission, the current defibrillatorproceeds as normal.

In some examples, the processor of the current defibrillator can alsocause the user interface of the current defibrillator to displayportions of the wirelessly received data or information derived from thewirelessly received data. As one example, the processor can cause theuser interface to display a timer indicating a remaining amount of timeuntil the time to deliver the subsequent shock. This timer can bederived from a timestamp associated with the previous shock. As anotherexample, the processor can cause the user interface to display anidentification of the previous defibrillator (e.g., a model number) anda number of shocks delivered to the patient using the previousdefibrillator. As another example, the processor can cause the userinterface to display an indication of the coarseness of the VF waveformmeasured by the previous defibrillator. As still another example, theprocessor can cause the user interface to display an initial rhythmmeasured by the previous defibrillator and, optionally, an algorithmused to measure the initial rhythm.

As still another example, the processor can cause the user interface todisplay an indication of an error code associated with the previousshock. As still another example, the processor can cause the userinterface to display an indication of whether or not CPR was performedon the patient or an indication of whether or not the previousdefibrillator advised a user to continue CPR after the previous shockwas delivered.

The processor of the current defibrillator can also write any of thewirelessly received data to a patient record. Further, the currentdefibrillator can transmit the patient record to another device usingthe wireless communication interface.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 7 , at block 702, the currentdefibrillator can receive an indication of a prior use of anotherdefibrillator. For example, the current defibrillator can wirelesslyreceive from a server an indication that another defibrillator wasrecently used within a threshold distance of a geographic location ofthe current defibrillator. In some instances, an operator of the currentdefibrillator or a bystander can trigger the server to provide theindication using a user interface of the other defibrillator (e.g., byholding down a button on a user interface of the other defibrillator).Providing the input can cause the other defibrillator to send a messageto the server. In response to receiving the message, the server can thendetermine that the current defibrillator is within a threshold distanceof a geographic location of the other defibrillator, and provide theindication to the current defibrillator. In other instances, thepresence of the current defibrillator within a threshold distance of ageographic location where the other defibrillator was recently used cantrigger the sending of the indication by the server.

At block 704, the current defibrillator can request a response to theindication. For instance, in response to receiving the indication, aprocessor of the current defibrillator can cause a user interface of thecurrent defibrillator to present a visual or audible prompt. The promptcan indicate that another defibrillator was recently used nearby, andask an operator of the current defibrillator to confirm that the otherdefibrillator was used to treat the same patient that the operator iscurrently providing care for. By way of example, the indication receivedat block 702 can include a location-specific prompt that a user of thecurrent defibrillator can respond to. For instance, the indication canbe a question such as “Are you located at an ABC Hamburger Shop indowntown Seattle?” The processor of the current defibrillator can causethe user interface to present the prompt (e.g., visually and/oraudibly).

After requesting the response, the current defibrillator can obtain aresponse via the user interface, and provide the response to the server.The response can be a positive response (e.g., confirmation of the prioruse and request to receive data), or a negative response (e.g., electionto ignore the prior use and not receive data).

As further shown in FIG. 7 , at block 706, the set of acts then variesbased on the response. If the response is a negative response, then, atblock 708, the current defibrillator proceeds as normal. Whereas, if theresponse is a positive response, then, at block 710, the currentdefibrillator wirelessly receives data from the server.

Wirelessly receiving the data can include checking if the data is valid.As one example, the processor can use a cyclic redundancy check todetect errors in the data. As another example, the processor can analyzea timestamp in the data to ensure that data in the cable corresponds toa current patient for which the current defibrillator is providing care.For instance, the processor of the defibrillator can determine whether atimestamp in the data, such as a timestamp associated with previousshock, is within a threshold time of a current time. The threshold timecould be a number of minutes (e.g., four minutes, ten minutes, etc.). Ina scenario in which a therapy cable of another defibrillator is pluggedinto the current defibrillator, the processor can compare a first uniqueidentifier in the data with a second unique identifier that is retrievedfrom a memory embedded within the therapy cable. To check the validityof the data, the processor can therefore determine whether the firstunique identifier and the second unique identifier are the same.

As further shown in FIG. 7 , at block 712, the processor of the currentdefibrillator then makes a decision based on whether or not the data isvalid. If the processor determines that the data is valid, then,optionally, at block 714, the processor can obtain permission to updatea setting of the current defibrillator using the data. Obtainingpermission can involve providing an audible or visual prompt using auser interface of the current defibrillator. For instance, the currentdefibrillator can prompt a user to use an energy level of a previousshock delivered by the previous defibrillator to set the energy level ofa subsequent shock.

After providing the prompt, the current defibrillator can obtain, viathe user interface, an instruction to use the data to update a settingof the current defibrillator. Further, at block 616, the processor ofthe current defibrillator can update at least one setting of the currentdefibrillator based on the data.

The processor of the current defibrillator can use the data to update asetting of the current defibrillator in various ways. As one example,the processor can set the energy level for a subsequent shock based ondata indicative of an energy level of a previous shock. For instance,the processor can increase the energy level from the energy level of theprevious shock to a next energy level in an energy level sequence. Theenergy level sequence could be 200 Joules, 300 Joules, and 360 Joules.With this configuration, based on data indicating that an energy levelof a previous shock was 200 Joules, the processor can set the energylevel for the subsequent shock to 300 Joules. The decision to increasethe energy level could be further based on a determination that theenergy level of the previous shock was not the maximum energy level inthe energy level sequence. In some examples, the processor of thecurrent defibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of the energy level of theprevious shock.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicating that ROSC was achieved afterdelivering the previous shock. For instance, the processor can set theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock based on the data indicating that ROSC was achieved.Alternatively, the processor can increase the energy level even thoughthe data indicates that ROSC was achieved. The manner in which theprocessor selects the energy level for the subsequent shock when dataindicated that ROSC was achieved could be a configurable option. Forinstance, an operator of the current defibrillator could choose betweenhaving the processor keep the energy level the same or having theprocessor increase the energy level when data indicates that ROSC wasachieved. In some examples, the processor of the current defibrillatorcan also cause the user interface of the current defibrillator toprovide an indication that ROSC was achieved after delivering theprevious shock.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicative of a fibrillation type. Thedata indicative of the fibrillation type can qualify whether or not thepatient's rhythm reverted to a life-sustaining rhythm after delivery ofthe previous shock. VF can be qualified as either refractory VF orrecurrent VF. Refractory VF refers to VF that persists despite shockdelivery. This is in contrast to recurrent VF, which is VF thatre-appears after it had previously been terminated. The data indicativeof fibrillation type could qualify whether the VF observed by theprevious defibrillator and leading up to the previous shock wasrefractory VF or recurrent VF. If the data indicative of thefibrillation type is indicative of refractory VF, the processor canincrease the energy level from the energy level of the previous shock toa next energy level in an energy level sequence. On the other hand, ifthe data is indicative of recurrent VF, the processor can set the energylevel of the previous shock as the energy level for the subsequent shockbased on Maintaining the same energy level may be preferred in such ascenario as the previous energy level was demonstrated to be successful.By maintaining the same energy level, this decreases the change ofinjury due to cardiomyocytes. In other instances, the processor canincrease the energy level even though the data indicates the occurrenceof recurrent VF. Again, the configuration of the current defibrillatorcould dictate the action that the processor takes with respect to theenergy level. In some examples, the processor of the currentdefibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of the fibrillation type.

As another example, the processor can set the energy level for asubsequent shock based on data indicative of whether a post-shock rhythmdetected by the previous defibrillator was shockable or non-shockable.For instance, if the data indicates that a post-shock detected rhythmwas shockable, the processor can increase the energy level from theenergy level of the previous shock to a next energy level in an energylevel sequence. On the other hand, if the data indicates that apost-shock detected rhythm was non-shockable, the processor can set theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock. Again, the configuration of the current defibrillatorcould dictate the action that the processor takes with respect to theenergy level. In some examples, the processor of the currentdefibrillator can also cause the user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide an indication of whether the post-shockdetected rhythm was shockable or non-shockable.

As further shown in FIG. 7 , if the processer determines that the datais not valid at block 712 (e.g., due to errors in the data or aninconsistency between the timestamp and a current time), then, at block718, the processor can cause a user interface of the currentdefibrillator to provide a warning regarding the validity of the dataand request permission to update a setting of the current defibrillatorusing the data despite the error. Requesting permission can involveproviding an audible or visual prompt using a user interface of thecurrent defibrillator. Subsequently, at block 720, the processor canmake a decision based on whether or not permission is obtained. If thecurrent defibrillator obtains permission, then, as described above, theprocessor of the current defibrillator can update at least one settingof the current defibrillator based on the data. Whereas, if the currentdefibrillator does not obtain permission, the current defibrillatorproceeds as normal.

In some examples, the processor of the current defibrillator can alsocause the user interface of the current defibrillator to displayportions of the wirelessly received data or information derived from thewirelessly received data. As one example, the processor can cause theuser interface to display a timer indicating a remaining amount of timeuntil the time to deliver the subsequent shock. This timer can bederived from a timestamp associated with the previous shock. As anotherexample, the processor can cause the user interface to display anidentification of the previous defibrillator (e.g., a model number) anda number of shocks delivered to the patient using the previousdefibrillator. As another example, the processor can cause the userinterface to display an indication of the coarseness of the VF waveformmeasured by the previous defibrillator. As still another example, theprocessor can cause the user interface to display an initial rhythmmeasured by the previous defibrillator and, optionally, an algorithmused to measure the initial rhythm.

As still another example, the processor can cause the user interface todisplay an indication of an error code associated with the previousshock. As still another example, the processor can cause the userinterface to display an indication of whether or not CPR was performedon the patient or an indication of whether or not the previousdefibrillator advised a user to continue CPR after the previous shockwas delivered.

The processor of the current defibrillator can also write any of thewirelessly received data to a patient record. Further, the currentdefibrillator can transmit the patient record to another device usingthe wireless communication interface.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example of a method 800 performed by adefibrillator, according to an example implementation. Method 800 shownin FIG. 8 presents an example of a method that could be performed by adefibrillator, such as the AED 200 shown in FIG. 2 or with the monitordefibrillator 300 shown in FIG. 3 , for example. Further, devices orsystems may be used or configured to perform logical functions presentedin FIG. 8 . In some instances, components of the devices and/or systemsmay be configured to perform the functions such that the components areactually configured and structured (with hardware and/or software) toenable such performance. In other examples, components of the devicesand/or systems may be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suitedfor performing the functions, such as when operated in a specificmanner. Method 800 may include one or more operations, functions, oractions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 802-808. Although theblocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also beperformed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those describedherein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks,divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desiredimplementation.

It should be understood that for this and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of onepossible implementation of present examples. In this regard, each blockor portions of each block may represent a module, a segment, or aportion of program code, which includes one or more instructionsexecutable by a processor for implementing specific logical functions orsteps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type ofcomputer readable medium or data storage, for example, such as a storagedevice including a disk or hard drive. Further, the program code can beencoded on a computer-readable storage media in a machine-readableformat, or on other non-transitory media or articles of manufacture. Thecomputer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readablemedium or memory, for example, such as computer-readable media thatstores data for short periods of time like register memory, processorcache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium mayalso include non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistentlong-term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magneticdisks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computerreadable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storagesystems. The computer readable medium may be considered a tangiblecomputer readable storage medium, for example.

In addition, each block or portions of each block in FIG. 8 , and withinother processes and methods disclosed herein, may represent circuitrythat is wired to perform the specific logical functions in the process.Alternative implementations are included within the scope of theexamples of the present disclosure in which functions may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved,as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

At block 802, method 800 includes determining, by a currentdefibrillator, that a memory embedded within a therapy cable coupled tothe current defibrillator stores data indicative of a previous shockdelivered to a patient, with the previous shock being delivered to thepatient using a previous defibrillator. In some examples, the therapycable is a therapy cable of the previous defibrillator.

At block 804, method 800 includes obtaining, by the currentdefibrillator, the data indicative of the previous shock. In someexamples, the current defibrillator is a monitor defibrillator, and theprevious defibrillator is an AED

At block 806, method 800 includes setting, by the current defibrillator,an energy level for a subsequent shock based on the data indicative ofthe previous shock. In one example, the data indicative of the previousshock includes an energy level of the previous shock, and setting theenergy level for the subsequent shock includes setting the energy levelfor the subsequent shock based on the energy level of the previousshock. For instance, setting the energy level for the subsequent shockcan include increasing the energy level of the previous shock so as toobtain the energy level of the subsequent shock.

In another example, the memory stores data indicating that return ofROSC was achieved after delivering the previous shock, and setting theenergy level includes setting the energy level of the previous shock asthe energy level for the subsequent shock based on the data indicatingthat ROSC was achieved after delivering the previous shock. In anotherexample, the memory stores data indicative of a fibrillation type, andsetting the energy level for the subsequent shock includes setting theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock based on the fibrillation type. In another example, thememory stores data indicating that a post-shock detected rhythm wasnon-shockable, and setting the energy level for the subsequent shockincludes setting the energy level of the previous shock as the energylevel for the subsequent shock based on the data indicating that apost-shock detected rhythm was non-shockable.

In yet another example, the data indicative of the previous shockincludes a timestamp associated with the previous shock, and method 800also includes determining that the timestamp corresponds to a time thatis within a threshold time of a current time. Further, the setting ofthe energy level of the subsequent shock is then based on thedetermining that the timestamp corresponds to the time that is withinthe threshold time of the current time.

In yet another example, the data indicative of the previous shockincludes a timestamp associated with the previous shock, and method 800also includes (i) determining, based on the timestamp, a time to deliverthe subsequent shock and (ii) displaying, by the current defibrillator,a timer indicating a remaining amount of time until the time to deliverthe subsequent shock.

At block 808, method 800 includes delivering, by the currentdefibrillator, the subsequent shock to the patient at the energy levelfor the subsequent shock.

In some examples, method 800 also includes obtaining, by the currentdefibrillator, an instruction to use the data indicative of the previousshock to set the energy level of the subsequent shock. Further, thesetting of the energy level of the subsequent shock is then based on theobtaining the instruction.

In some examples, method 800 also includes storing, by the currentdefibrillator, at least a portion of the data indicative of the previousshock in a patient record of the patient. Further, the data indicativeof the previous shock includes an identification of the previousdefibrillator and a number of shocks delivered to the patient using theprevious defibrillator. The identification includes a model number orserial number of the previous defibrillator.

In some examples, the memory stores data indicative of a coarseness of aVF waveform measured by the previous defibrillator, and method 800further includes providing, by the current defibrillator, an indicationof the coarseness of the VF waveform.

In some examples, the memory stores data indicative of an initial rhythmmeasured by the previous defibrillator, and method 800 further includesproviding, by the current defibrillator, an indication of the initialrhythm measured by the previous defibrillator. The memory also storesdata indicative of an algorithm used to measure the initial rhythm.

In some examples, the memory stores data indicative of an error codeassociated with the previous shock, and method 800 also includesproviding, by the current defibrillator, an indication of the errorcode.

In some examples, the memory stores one or both of: data indicative ofwhether or not CPR was performed on the patient; and data indicative ofwhether or not the previous defibrillator advised a user to continue CPRafter the previous shock was delivered.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of another example of a method performed by adefibrillator. Method 900 shown in FIG. 9 presents an example of amethod that could be performed by AED 200 of FIG. 2 or monitordefibrillator 300 of FIG. 3 , for example. Further, devices or systemsmay be used or configured to perform logical functions presented in FIG.9 .

At block 902, method 900 includes wirelessly receiving, by a currentdefibrillator, data indicative of a previous shock delivered to apatient by a previous defibrillator. In some examples, the currentdefibrillator is a monitor defibrillator, and the previous defibrillatoris an AED

In one example, wirelessly receiving the data indicative of the previousshock includes wirelessly receiving the data indicative of the previousshock from a server. Further, method 900 also includes sending, by thecurrent defibrillator, a geographic location of the currentdefibrillator to the server prior to wirelessly receiving the dataindicative of the previous shock. The previous shock was delivered tothe patient within a threshold distance of the geographic location ofthe current defibrillator.

At block 904, method 900 includes setting, by the current defibrillator,an energy level for a subsequent shock based on the data indicative ofthe previous shock.

In one example, wirelessly receiving the data indicative of the previousshock includes wirelessly receiving the data indicative of the previousshock from the previous defibrillator. Further, method 900 alsoincludes: (i) determining, by the current defibrillator, that theprevious defibrillator is within wireless range of the currentdefibrillator; and (ii) based on the determining, establishing, by thecurrent defibrillator, a wireless communication link with the previousdefibrillator. Additionally or alternatively, method 900 also includesdetermining, by the current defibrillator, that the previousdefibrillator is located within a threshold distance of a geographiclocation of the current defibrillator. Further, the setting the energylevel is then based on the determining that the previous defibrillatoris located within the threshold distance of the geographic location ofthe current defibrillator.

In some examples, the data indicative of the previous shock includes afirst unique identifier. In these examples, method 900 also includes:(i) obtaining, by the current defibrillator, a second unique identifierfrom a memory embedded within a therapy cable coupled to the currentdefibrillator; and (ii) determining, by the current defibrillator, thatthe first unique identifier and the second unique identifier are thesame. Further, the setting the energy level is based on the determiningthat the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier arethe same.

In some examples, the data indicative of the previous shock includes anenergy level of the previous shock, and setting the energy level for thesubsequent shock includes setting the energy level for the subsequentshock based on the energy level of the previous shock. For instance,setting the energy level for the subsequent shock can include increasingthe energy level of the previous shock so as to obtain the energy levelof the subsequent shock.

In one example, the memory stores data indicating that return of ROSCwas achieved after delivering the previous shock, and setting the energylevel includes setting the energy level of the previous shock as theenergy level for the subsequent shock based on the data indicating thatROSC was achieved after delivering the previous shock. In anotherexample, the memory stores data indicative of a fibrillation type, andsetting the energy level for the subsequent shock includes setting theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock based on the fibrillation type. In another example, thememory stores data indicating that a post-shock detected rhythm wasnon-shockable, and setting the energy level for the subsequent shockincludes setting the energy level of the previous shock as the energylevel for the subsequent shock based on the data indicating that apost-shock detected rhythm was non-shockable.

In another example, the data indicative of the previous shock includes atimestamp associated with the previous shock, and method 900 alsoincludes determining that the timestamp corresponds to a time that iswithin a threshold time of a current time. Further, the setting of theenergy level of the subsequent shock is based on the determining thatthe timestamp corresponds to the time that is within the threshold timeof the current time.

In yet another example, the data indicative of the previous shockincludes a timestamp associated with the previous shock, and method 900also includes (i) determining, based on the timestamp, a time to deliverthe subsequent shock and (ii) displaying, by the current defibrillator,a timer indicating a remaining amount of time until the time to deliverthe subsequent shock.

At block 906, method 900 includes delivering, by the currentdefibrillator, the subsequent shock to the patient at the energy levelfor the subsequent shock.

In some examples, method 900 also includes obtaining, by the currentdefibrillator, an instruction to use the data indicative of the previousshock to set the energy level of the subsequent shock. Further, thesetting of the energy level of the subsequent shock is then based on theobtaining the instruction.

In some examples, method 900 also includes storing, by the currentdefibrillator, at least a portion of the data indicative of the previousshock in a patient record of the patient. Further, the data indicativeof the previous shock includes an identification of the previousdefibrillator and a number of shocks delivered to the patient using theprevious defibrillator. The identification includes a model number orserial number of the previous defibrillator.

In some examples, method 900 also includes wirelessly receiving dataindicative of a coarseness of a VF waveform measured by the previousdefibrillator, and providing, by the current defibrillator, anindication of the coarseness of the VF waveform.

In some examples, method 900 also includes wirelessly receiving dataindicative of an initial rhythm measured by the previous defibrillator,and providing, by the current defibrillator, an indication of theinitial rhythm measured by the previous defibrillator. Method 900 canfurther include wirelessly receiving data indicative of an algorithmused to measure the initial rhythm.

In some examples, method 900 also includes wirelessly receiving dataindicative of an error code associated with the previous shock, andproviding, by the current defibrillator, an indication of the errorcode.

In some examples, method 900 also includes wirelessly receiving one orboth of: data indicative of whether or not CPR was performed on thepatient; and data indicative of whether or not the previousdefibrillator advised a user to continue CPR after the previous shockwas delivered.

The systems and methods described herein are very beneficial forproviding better patient care during a cardiac event. When a patientundergoes a cardiac arrest, it is common for nearby individuals to beginCPR and use a first defibrillator to provide care before an EMS crewarrives. When the EMS crew arrives, due to the chaos of the situationand the involvement of multiple bystanders, it is likely that the EMScrew may be unable to quickly and reliably determine how many shockshave been delivered to the patient. The EMS crew would prefer to knowhow many shocks were given to the patient, as well as any other datathat was obtained by the first defibrillator (such as an energy level ofa previous shock, whether ROSC was achieved, whether a post-shocknon-shockable rhythm was detected, an initial heart rhythm, afibrillation type, etc.). With this information, the EMS crew couldupdate a second defibrillator that the EMS crew uses to provide care forthe patient.

For instance, in many situations, it is advisable to increase the energylevel for each shock that is delivered to a patient. Further, doing socan increase the chance of saving the patient's life. Providing dataindicating an energy level of a previous shock from the previousdefibrillator (i.e. the first defibrillator) to the currentdefibrillator (i.e. the second defibrillator) can allow the EMS crewthat assumes care to increase the energy level of the next shock, ratherthan delivering another shock at the same energy level. Advantageously,the systems and methods described herein allow for seamless transfer ofthis information between the previous defibrillator and the currentdefibrillator, and can remove reliance on bystanders or the initialcaregiver to relay information.

Further, implementations of this disclosure provide technologicalimprovements that are particular to computer technology, for example,those concerning transfer of data between defibrillators.Computer-specific technological problems, such as how to securely andseamlessly transfer data between defibrillators, can be solved usingtechnical solutions described herein.

By the term “substantially” and “about” used herein, it is meant thatthe recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achievedexactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example,tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations andother factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that donot preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Different examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosedherein include a variety of components, features, and functionalities.It should be understood that the various examples of the system(s),device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of thecomponents, features, and functionalities of any of the other examplesof the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein in anycombination or any sub-combination, and all of such possibilities areintended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

The description of the different advantageous arrangements has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description, and is notintended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples in the formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous examplesmay describe different advantages as compared to other advantageousexamples. The example or examples selected are chosen and described inorder to best explain the principles of the examples, the practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the disclosure for various examples with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a currentdefibrillator, data indicative of a previous shock delivered to apatient by a previous defibrillator; determining, by the currentdefibrillator, that the previous defibrillator is located within athreshold distance of a geographic location of the currentdefibrillator; setting, by the current defibrillator, an energy levelfor a subsequent shock based on (i) the data indicative of the previousshock, and (ii) determining that the previous defibrillator is locatedwithin the threshold distance of the geographic location of the currentdefibrillator; and delivering, by the current defibrillator, thesubsequent shock to the patient at the energy level for the subsequentshock.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the data indicativeof the previous shock comprises wirelessly receiving the data indicativeof the previous shock from a server.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising sending, by the current defibrillator, a geographic locationof the current defibrillator to the server prior to wirelessly receivingthe data indicative of the previous shock, wherein the previous shockwas delivered to the patient within a threshold distance of thegeographic location of the current defibrillator.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein receiving the data indicative of the previous shock compriseswirelessly receiving the data indicative of the previous shock from theprevious defibrillator.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:determining, by the current defibrillator, that the previousdefibrillator is within wireless range of the current defibrillator; andbased on the determining, establishing, by the current defibrillator, awireless communication link with the previous defibrillator.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the data indicative of the previous shockcomprises a first unique identifier, wherein the method furthercomprises: obtaining, by the current defibrillator, a second uniqueidentifier from a memory embedded within a therapy cable coupled to thecurrent defibrillator; and determining, by the current defibrillator,that the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier arethe same, and wherein the setting the energy level is based on thedetermining that the first unique identifier and the second uniqueidentifier are the same.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the dataindicative of the previous shock comprises an energy level of theprevious shock, and wherein setting the energy level for the subsequentshock comprises setting the energy level for the subsequent shock basedon the energy level of the previous shock.
 8. The method of claim 7,further comprising receiving data indicating that return of spontaneouscirculation (ROSC) was achieved after delivering the previous shock,wherein setting the energy level for the subsequent shock comprisessetting the energy level of the previous shock as the energy level forthe subsequent shock based on the data indicating that ROSC was achievedafter delivering the previous shock.
 9. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising receiving data indicative of a fibrillation type, and whereinsetting the energy level for the subsequent shock comprises setting theenergy level of the previous shock as the energy level for thesubsequent shock based on the fibrillation type.
 10. The method of claim1, further comprising obtaining, by the current defibrillator, aninstruction to use the data indicative of the previous shock to set theenergy level of the subsequent shock, wherein the setting of the energylevel of the subsequent shock is further based on the obtaining theinstruction.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receivingdata indicative of a coarseness of a ventricular fibrillation (VF)waveform measured by the previous defibrillator; and providing, by thecurrent defibrillator, an indication of the coarseness of the VFwaveform.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving dataindicative of an initial rhythm measured by the previous defibrillator;and providing, by the current defibrillator, an indication of theinitial rhythm measured by the previous defibrillator.
 13. A methodcomprising: receiving, by a current defibrillator, data indicative of aprevious shock delivered to a patient by a previous defibrillator,wherein the data indicative of the previous shock comprises a timestampassociated with the previous shock; determining that that the timestampcorresponds to a time that is within a threshold time of a current time;setting, by the current defibrillator, an energy level for a subsequentshock based on (i) the data indicative of the previous shock, and (ii)determining that the timestamp corresponds to the time that is withinthe threshold time of the current time; and delivering, by the currentdefibrillator, the subsequent shock to the patient at the energy levelfor the subsequent shock.
 14. A method comprising: receiving, by acurrent defibrillator, data indicative of a previous shock delivered toa patient by a previous defibrillator, wherein the data indicative ofthe previous shock comprises a timestamp associated with the previousshock; determining, based on the timestamp associated with the previousshock, a time to deliver the subsequent shock; setting, by the currentdefibrillator, an energy level for a subsequent shock based on the dataindicative of the previous shock; displaying, by the currentdefibrillator, a timer indicating a remaining amount of time until thetime to deliver the subsequent shock; and delivering, by the currentdefibrillator, the subsequent shock to the patient at the energy levelfor the subsequent shock.
 15. A defibrillator comprising: anon-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereininstructions that are executable to cause the defibrillator to perform aset of acts comprising: receiving data indicative of a previous shockdelivered to a patient by another defibrillator, wherein the dataindicative of the previous shock comprises a timestamp associated withthe previous shock, determining that that the timestamp corresponds to atime that is within a threshold time of a current time, setting anenergy level for a subsequent shock based on (i) the data indicative ofthe previous shock, and (ii) determining that the timestamp correspondsto the time that is within the threshold time of the current time, anddelivering the subsequent shock to the patient at the energy level forthe subsequent shock.
 16. The defibrillator of claim 15, whereinreceiving the data indicative of the previous shock comprises wirelesslyreceiving the data indicative of the previous shock from a server. 17.The defibrillator of claim 15, wherein receiving the data indicative ofthe previous shock comprises wirelessly receiving the data indicative ofthe previous shock from the other defibrillator.
 18. The defibrillatorof claim 15, wherein the data indicative of the previous shock comprisesan energy level of the previous shock, and wherein setting the energylevel for the subsequent shock comprises setting the energy level forthe subsequent shock based on the energy level of the previous shock.19. The defibrillator of claim 15, wherein the defibrillator is amonitor defibrillator, and wherein the other defibrillator is anautomated external defibrillator.
 20. The defibrillator of claim 15,wherein the set of acts further comprises obtaining an instruction touse the data indicative of the previous shock to set the energy level ofthe subsequent shock, wherein the setting of the energy level of thesubsequent shock is further based on the obtaining the instruction.